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Research

High proportions of foods recommended for consumption by United States Dietary Guidance contain solid fats and added sugar: results from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2007-2008)

Abstract

Background

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommend that individuals age two
years and older reduce intakes of solid fats (SoF) and added sugars (AS; together
SoFAS). MyPlate illustrates the proportions of five major food groups to promote healthy
eating (Vegetables, Grains, Protein Foods, Fruits and Dairy).

Methods

To assess if the foods currently consumed by Americans are in concordance with the
DGA, food consumption data from What We Eat In America, National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey (WWEIA-NHANES) 2007–2008 (n = 8 527) was used to estimate the proportion
of foods that contained SoFAS and to report them by food group. Weighted analysis
was conducted to be nationally representative.

Results

The Dairy group contained the highest proportion (93%) of either SoF or AS, followed
by Grains (70% SoF; 70% AS; 50% both). Fruits contained the least SoFAS (7%).

Conclusions

Results suggest that the high proportion of SoFAS in each recommended food group makes
it challenging for Americans to reduce their intake of SoFAS.